00:00Ever since my beloved mother died over a week ago, I have been deeply moved by the outpouring of affection
00:08which has accompanied her death.
00:11My family and I always knew what she meant for the people of this country, and the special place she
00:18occupied in the hearts of so many here, in the Commonwealth, and in other parts of the world.
00:25But the extent of the tribute that huge numbers of you have paid my mother in the last few days
00:31has been overwhelming.
00:34I have drawn great comfort from so many individual acts of kindness and respect.
00:42Over the years, I have met many people who have had to cope with family loss, sometimes in the most
00:49tragic of circumstances.
00:51So I count myself fortunate that my mother was blessed with a long and happy life.
00:57She had an infectious zest for living, and this remained with her until the very end.
01:04I know, too, that her faith was always a great strength to her.
01:11At the ceremony tomorrow, I hope that sadness will blend with a wider sense of thanksgiving,
01:17not just for her life, but for the times in which she lived.
01:23A century for this country and the Commonwealth, not without its trials and sorrows,
01:29but also one of extraordinary progress, full of examples of courage and service, as well as fun and laughter.
01:39This is what my mother would have understood, because it was the warmth and affection of people everywhere
01:45which inspired her resolve, dedication, and enthusiasm for life.
01:53I thank you for the support you are giving me and my family as we come to terms with her
02:00death
02:00and the void she has left in our midst.
02:04I thank you also from my heart for the love you gave her during her life
02:09and the honour you now give her in death.
02:12May God bless you all.
02:14May God bless you all.
02:14May God bless you all.
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